SCG to build VN paper plant

Spanning 40 hectares in the My Phuoc 3 Industrial Zone (IZ), the factory has an investment capital of $136 million in the first phase, the province's IZ management board announced on June 27.

Once operational in early 2009, the plant will be capable of producing 220,000 tonnes of packaging paper a year.

Rice policy panel

The Cabinet on Tuesday appointed a National Rice Policy Committee to draw up the Kingdom's short- and long-term plans as well as marketing strategies for rice production.

The committee comprises the prime minister, who will act as chairperson together with Cabinet members, high-ranking officials from the ministries of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Commerce, Finance, Interior and Industry, the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board, the Budget Bureau and an expert on rice issues.

The goal is to set up unified and efficient policies related to production and marketing.

The committee will support and promote research for the development of rice production and marketing through a research development fund and other funding sources approved by the panel.

It will identify regulations and methods to support farmers, farming institutions, rice-mill operations and exporters in order to promote fairness and benefits to all sectors.

It will also authorise a budget plan to ensure adherence to all regulations.